The government has set up a committee to formulate guidelines that will ensure a transparent system for sand extraction and suggest ways for effective working of the mining surveillance system (MSS). Chaired by the mines secretary, the panel has officials from several states. According to a government official, the committee will also look into the way forward in implementation of the MSS and star rating of mines.

India is on a fast track to develop world-class infrastructure in the country. Commencing with road sector wherein a construction speed of 40 km a day has already been achieved, plans are afloat to take it to 100 km a day. Similar traction has begun in other construction sectors like canals and more will follow.

Globally, the mining sector is de-growing by 20-25 per cent, but the fact that India´s mining sector is likely to grow by a similar percentage, is the predominant sentiment amongst the country´s equipment and mine owner community. Government reforms in the mining sector, its initiatives to privatise mining and drive public sector undertakings like Coal India to put their act together, are some of the key drivers of growth.

Cycle time is a critical success factor in all bulk handling applications. Ramifications of high cycle time even extend to bulk handlers securing business. Wheel loaders are extensively used bulk handling tools wherein high productivity is of essence.

There has been some positive vibes in the CE sector overall. Has this started reflecting on the demand for washing equipment?
Policy changes do take time to manifest themselves in the form of improved business conditions.

Illegal mining activities in various states of India has led to the downfall of the minerals and mining sector. Supreme Court had imposed ban on mining activities in Goa, Karnataka and Odisha. On May 16, the Supreme Court ordered shutdown of mines involved in Odisha which are involved in irregular mining activities. This is going to hit hard at the Indian steel industry which is already reeling down due to the shortage of iron ore. The Supreme Court has imposed restrictions on the operation of 2

SV Sukumar, Partner and Head of Operations and Supply Chain, KPMG is of the view that India needs to resolve issues related to mining activities mainly coal and iron ore. The quick resolution of the mining issues is the way forward for the economy. The mining sector is plagued with so many issues like illegal mining, ban on mining, etc.

In 2013, the Awaaz Foundation had filed a complaint against illegal coastal sand mining and the existence of sand mafias in the coastal areas of Maharashtra before the NGT, Pune.The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an immediate ban on all illegal sand mining in the coastal areas and those falling in the coastal regulation zone (CRZ).